Jennifer was diagnosed with stage 3B breast cancer, which meant it spread to some of her lymph nodes. Doctors removed a few of her lymph nodes, and she underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She also went through radiation and other treatments.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

Angelo had always taken pictures of Jennifer, but began really photographing her struggles after her cancer metastasized to her bones and liver in April 2010.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

Angelo explained that at the beginning of Jennifer's diagnosis, family and friends were always there. However, when her cancer returned in 2010, the couple noticed that there wasn't as much support as the first time around. They felt it was because people didn't really see and understand how cancer was affecting them.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

"We didn't know about cancer a few years before this happened to us so we understood it

Credit: Angelo Merendino

Over the course of a year and four months, Angelo documented the experience of fighting breast cancer through Jennifer's eyes.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

The photographs, which at first were only intended for friends and family, were meant to help remind people that Angelo and Jennifer still needed their support.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

"People told Jen things like, 'You have to be okay, you just have to stay positive," he said. "We were positive, and Jen was very aggressive in her treatment. It wasn't just a mindset -- it was cancer spreading through her body."

Credit: Angelo Merendino

Angelo pointed out the importance of friends and family for someone who has cancer.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

"You don't have to have the answer," Angelo explained. "Many people say, 'We don't know what to say to you guys or how to act.' They don't need to know what to say or act. They just need need to be there."

Credit: Angelo Merendino

Jennifer and Angelo traveled to the beach during her treatments one summer. She had been using a walker because her hip had weakened.

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At first, she thought she was too frail to swim in the water. However, she eventually asked her sister and husband to help her walk in the waves. Finally, she asked them to let go and floated on her own in the ocean.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

"It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life...just watching Jen floating in the ocean and having fun," Angelo wrote.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

He said that during the entire time Jennifer was battling breast cancer, he knew he had to stay strong for her. They always kept a positive outlook.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

"Jennifer was determined to not let cancer determine her life and take over," said Angelo.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

"There were a lot of thoughts that I had to put away," Angelo said. "I felt that if I went too far with these thoughts, it would get in the way of me taking care of Jen, and all I wanted was to take care of Jen."

Credit: Angelo Merendino

Throughout her battle with cancer, Jennifer and Angelo were very open about their experiences.

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Angelo said it helped to hear about how other people faced cancer, and what they were doing to stay strong.

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Jennifer passed away on December 22, 2011.

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Sharing the photographs has helped Angelo grieve, and he is thankful for the outpouring of support he has received online.

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"It's humbling for people to reach out and share the things that they've shared with me," he said.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

Angelo hopes that the photographs don't only tell Jennifer's story, but remind people to cherish their loved ones while they can.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

"I hope people will think many things (about these photographs)," Angelo said. "One, if they know someone who is going through something like this, I hope people will stop for a minute and have a little more patience with each other. I hope the photos put them in (cancer victim's) shoes or their spouses', and they will love each other more and not take for granted that they're together."

Credit: Angelo Merendino

"I know cancer is a heavy theme in these photographs, but to me, the photographs were about life and love more than they were about anything else," he added.

Credit: Angelo Merendino

Angelo is currently displaying the photographs online and in several art gallery shows. He is also working with an editor to publish a book.

"It's making something positive out of a really horrible experience," he said.